Gov. Bobby Jindal brings 'Better Louisiana' tour to St. Tammany

Gov. Bobby Jindal visited St. Tammany Parish on Thursday as part of his "Building a Better Louisiana for Our Children" tour, and he let those who attended the meeting know that the state is working hard to ensure that it doesn't leave fewer opportunities for its children and grandchildren than in years past.

View full sizeEllis Lucia, The Times-PicayuneGov. Bobby Jindal visits St. Tammany Parish Thursday as part of his 'Building a Better Louisiana for Our Children' tour.

He said children are the state's greatest export, and for 25 years, it sent more people out of Louisiana than moved in. But for the past three years, the trend has reversed, and the state is finally beginning to turn the corner, Jindal said.

He believes the reversal has to do with five decisions he and other officials have made to help make Louisiana a better place to live.

Jindal said new ethics laws implemented since he took office have helped crack down on corruption, while his pledge to not raise taxes makes the state more attractive to business. The state has continued work to expand its tax base, while at the same time expanding opportunities for community and technical training, he said.

Lastly, an investment in infrastructure is helping to improve the economy and people's way of life, Jindal said.

He noted that he and his wife recently attended their high school reunions, and besides noticing how old everyone looked, he noted how many people had traveled back to Louisiana from other states to attend. Jindal said he doesn't want his children to have to drive to their reunions because they couldn't find good jobs here.